Zeversolar String Inverter - Technical FAQ

Please find the answers to most frequently asked questions below. If you still have a question, get in touch - our experts love to help.

1. Inverter Technology

1.1 What would an Inverter do under High Ambient Temperature?

The inverter will automatically decrease its output power to protect itself from overheating. You can find the inverters power reduction curve in the installation and operating instructions.

1.2 Is the Inverter equipped with a DC Switch?

The DC switch is an optional feature. Please check your local PV regulations to determine whether you require an inverter with or without a DC switch. For Europe, our inverters are equipped with a DC switch as standard. For Australia the local regulations require the use of an external DC switch therefore a Zeversolar inveter without a DC switch is in this case accepted. Please contact your local Zeversolar sales representative or authorised distributor for further information.

1.3 Isolated or non-isolated?

Zeversolar produces only non-isolated(transformerless) inverters. The transformerless inverter is the most common inverter in the residential and commercial market and usually has a higher efficiency, lower cost, is smaller in size and lighter in weight in comparison to isolated (transformer) inverters.

1.4 Does Zeversolar produce Battery Inverters?

Zeversolar only produces non-isolated on-grid inverters. At this point in time we do not produce any type of off-grid inverter, battery inverter or hybrid inverter.

1.5 Can Zeversolar’s inverters be used in off-grid Systems that include a Diesel Generator?

Zeversolar’s inverters are on-grid inverters and such as the AC side of the inverter should be connected with the utility grid. There are no settings that allow the inverter to operate in “off-grid” or “island mode” mode. Zeversolar cannot guarantee correct operation in off-grid applications and will not warrant any damage to the inverter or the PV plant that may be caused under “off-grid” conditions.

2. Monitoring System

2.1 Can I just use a computer to monitor Zeversolar Inverters without internet connection?

We do not provide local monitoring. Zeversolar's monitoring solution consists of either a Combox/Zevercom/Zevermanager which uploads the inverter data to our Zevercloud online monitoring portal which requires a reliable internet connection. We can provide our communications protocol to our customers to develop their own monitoring system. Third party monitoring devices and software such as Solarlog can be used with our Zeversolar inverters.

2.2 Can I install Zevercom/Zevermanager outside?

Yes, but it must be installed in an IP65 rated enclosure.

2.3 Can I obtain Weather Data from Zevercloud?

Zevercloud does not obtain or record weather data such as irradiation, temperature or wind speed. If you require to monitor weather data, it is possible to either purchase an independent weather station or you can use an existing third party solution from suppliers such as solar-log/ meteocontrol/ solarman which can communicate with our inverters.

2.5 Does Zeversolar's Inverter support third party dataloggers?

Yes, Zeversolar inverter's support dataloggers supplied by Solarlog, meteocontrol and solarman's. In addition, for large PV plants, we can offer our protocol to a third party company to develop their own customised monitoring solution.

2.6 How to select Zeversolar's datalogger

Residential applicationCombox: Installed inside zeverlution single phase inverter, internet connection with WiFi option, one Combox can be connected with one inverter. Zevercom: Installed externally to Zeversolar inverter's, cable connection with inverter, internet connection with WiFi (optional) or via LAN cable, one Zevercom can be connected to a maximum of five inverters.

Commercial applicationZevermanager: installed externally to Zeversolar inverter's, cable connection with inverter and router, one zevermanager can be connected to a maximum of 50 inverters.

3. System Application

3.1 How to configure PV Panels for Zeversolar Inverter's

You can design your PV system with Zeversolar’s free PV planning software Zeverplan. It is an online web based planning tool which can be found by typing www.zeverplan.com into your web browser. A downloadable version is not available.

3.2 Can I use thin-film modules for Zeversolar Inverter's?

Zeversolar inverter's cannot be used with thin film modules which require a functional earth on either the positive or the negative DC conductor, in these cases we suggest using an isolated (transformer based) inverter. Our non-isolated (transformerless) inverters are normally designed for silicon solar modules. However, there are thin film solar panels that do not require a functional earth and in these cases a Zeversolar inverter will operate correctly. Please consult with your thin film module supplier before confirming your PV plant design.

3.3 Can I oversize the PV array with respect to the Inverter Capacity?

Yes, the PV array DC capacity can exceed the inverter AC capacity. A typical rule of thumb is that the PV array can be oversized by 20%. This is dependent on location and site irradiation levels. Excessive PV array oversizing can impact on the inverters reliability, if you are in doubt please contact your local Zeversolar technical expert.

3.4 How to realize the Power Management Functions?

Through the radio ripple control receiver (RRCR) input on the Zevermanager, you can set and adjust the PV plant output according to grid operator requirements. In Germany this is widely used to control the PV plant output in 4 stages 0%, 30%, 60% and 100%. You can also log into the webserver of the Zevercom/Zevermanager to set active/reactive power, set a fixed power factor or set a reactive power characteristic curve. The PV Plant will control the output power automatically according to the settings.

3.5 Does Zeversolar have an Export Control Solution?

Yes, through Zevercom/Zevermanager and smart meter SDM630DC/SDM630CT. You can log into the webserver of a Zevecom/Zevermanager and set “limit output power based on energy meter reading” at 0W. Zevercom/Zevermanager can monitor the PV power fed to grid from the smart meter, and reduce the output of inverter to ensure that the PV power does not exceed the load consumption.

4. Troubleshooting

4.1 Presumable Fault

Error Code 6:

Check the open-circuit voltages of the strings and make sure it is below the maximum DC input voltage of the inverter. If the input voltage is within the permitted range and the fault still occurs, it might be that the internal circuit has broken. Contact the service.

Error Code 33:

Check the grid frequency and observe how often major fluctuations occur. If this fault is caused by frequent fluctuations, try to modify the operating parameters after informing the grid operator first.

Error Code 34:

Check the grid voltage and grid connection on the inverter.

Check the grid voltage at the point of connection of the inverter. If the grid voltage is outside the permissible range due to local grid conditions, try to modify the values of the monitored operational limits after informing the electric utility company first. If the grid voltage lies within the permitted range and this fault still occurs, please call service.

Error Code 35:

Check the fuse and the triggering of the circuit breaker in the distribution box.

Check the grid voltage, grid usability.

Check the AC cable, grid connection on the inverter. If this fault is still being shown, contact the service.

Error Code 36:

Make sure the grounding connection of the inverter is reliable.

Make a visual inspection of all PV cables and modules. If this fault is still shown, contact the service.

Error Code 37:

Check the open-circuit voltages of the strings and make sure it is below the maximum DC input voltage of the inverter. If the input voltage lies within the permitted range and the fault still occurs, please call service.

Error Code 38:

Check the PV array’s insulation to ground and make sure that the insulation resistance to ground is greater than 1 MOhm. Otherwise, make a visual inspection of all PV cables and modules.

Make sure the grounding connection of the inverter is reliable. If this fault occurs often, contact the service.

Error Code 40:

Check whether the airflow to the heat sink is obstructed.

Check whether the ambient temperature around the inverter is too high.

Error Codes 41, 42, 43, 44, 45:

Disconnect the inverter from the grid and the PV array and reconnect after 3 minutes. If this fault is still being shown, contact the service.

Error Code 46:

Check the open-circuit voltages of the strings, make sure it is lower than the Max. DC input voltage of the inverter; If the input voltage lies within the permitted range, and the fault still occurs, maybe the internal circuit has broken, contact the service.

Error Codes 49, 50:

Open the box and check the power distribution, see if the signal cable of PV1-SPD and PV2-SPD has disconnected. If the fault still occurs, please contact the service hotline.

Error Code 51:

Open the box and check the power distribution, see if the FUSE is damaged.

4.2 Permanent Fault

Error Codes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 39:

Disconnect the inverter from the utility grid and the PV array and reconnect it after 3 minutes. If this fault is still being displayed, contact the service.